A Smart Girl's Guide: Manners (Revised). Nancy Holyoke

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      You’re visiting your dying Uncle Lev in the hospital. “Hi,

      Kelcy,” he says when you walk in. “How’s my girl?” He’s got

      tubes in his arms, he looks horrible, and you wish you were

      anywhere but here.

      Hospital rooms make a lot of people feel like running for the car. Don’t

      do it. Walk on in and say, “I’m doing fine, Uncle Lev. But I’m so sorry

      you’re sick!” Ask questions about his daily comfort: “Are the doctors

      and nurses nice?” “Is there anything I can get for you?” If Uncle Lev

      brings up a subject, talk about that. If he doesn’t, talk about something

      going on in your life. Talk about things you’ve talked about in the past—